Car Trends

Kia Sportage: The all-new urban-friendly compact SUV

ADMIN — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:11:56 +0000

With a new bodyshell, new engines and fresh, bold styling that introduces a new kind of dynamic aesthetics, the latest Kia Sportage is an urban-friendly compact SUV for today’s families – consuming less fuel and emitting less CO2.

Longer, wider and lower than the previous model – by 90 mm, 15 mm and 60 mm respectively – the all-new design successfully retains the key SUV features – a commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and powerful road presence – that made the second-generation Kia Sportage so popular.

The second-generation Sportage was introduced in 2004 and marked a huge step forward for Kia. Over the next six years, it attracted thousands of new customers to Kia, and achieved global sales of more than 860,000 units – including 150,000 units in Western Europe.

Now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, the Kia design teams have created a third-generation Sportage incorporating Kia’s new design DNA and many features from the 2007 Kia Kue concept car, to be immediately identifiable and to stand out from potential rivals in an increasingly crowded segment.

“With the all-new Sportage, we have created a five-seat compact SUV with maximized customer appeal. It is urban-friendly and fully in tune with changing consumer expectations and demands,” commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.

“Despite the recent and ongoing global economic difficulties, Kia’s market research indicates that demand for C-segment SUVs in Europe will grow steadily over the next five years as customers down-size their vehicles and new models focus attention on the segment.

“Customer response to the new Sportage in Europe has been entirely positive and we are confident that our latest model will significantly increase Kia’s share of the compact SUV market,” concludes President Lee.

New Sportage has an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.37 – down from 0.40 – and a reduction in weight of 91 kg compared with the previous model enhancing fuel economy and refinement.

Choice of engines with enhanced economy and lowered emissions

When the full range of new Sportage models is on sale later this year, it will be available with four engines – two petrol and two diesel, ranging between 115 ps to 163 ps – manual and automatic transmissions and two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The model range presented to customers will vary country-by-country across Europe to suit local requirements and preferences. Final decisions on the UK range are yet to be made but all the engine variants will be available and Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., plans to take all the transmission and drive options.

For new Sportage the 2-litre diesel and petrol engines available at launch will be joined by smaller capacity engines available with fuel-stretching ISG (Intelligent Stop & Go) technology and with CO2 emissions from as low as 138 g/km.

Enhancing occupant and pedestrian safety

Fitted as standard in most European countries, new safety features will include ESC with a new Roll-over Sensor that deploys the side airbags, curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners when required, Hillstart Assist Control to prevent roll-back when starting on an incline, Downhill Brake Control to limit speed during a steep descent and an ESS system which flashes the brake lights during an emergency.

A new rear-view safety camera providing on an LCD colour display integrated into the interior rear-view mirror will be available as an option on all models.

Appealing to existing and new Sportage customers

New Sportage will be manufactured at Kia’s factory at Zilina, in Slovakia and buyers will be offered a choice up to 10 exterior colours and a black interior, trimmed in cloth, part-leather or full-leather that can be personalised with dark, light or orange accents. The quality of the cabin has been greatly improved. Available high-tech features will include: Xenon HID headlamps, LED running lights, keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera, built-in sat-nav and full-length panoramic glass sunroof.

Kia’s latest compact SUV will benefit from the brand’s unique 7-Year Kia Warranty in Europe. The all-new Sportage range will begin to appear in showrooms across Europe during the summer.

Introducing a new kind of dynamic aesthetics

The new Sportage marks a dramatic shift in design direction for Kia’s compact SUV. Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Sportage is immediately identifiable by its ‘tiger’ face – incorporating Peter Schreyer’s striking signature grille design that links all new Kia models.

“The new Sportage is fresh and bold and could not be mistaken for anything other than a Kia,” said Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “It embodies Kia’s new-found visual dynamism by successfully taking the key features of an off-road vehicle – the raised ground clearance, the commanding driving position and heightened sense of security – and enveloping them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal. With its athletic and muscular design the Sportage fits its name perfectly.”

Sitting below the central bonnet-mounted badge, the ‘tiger face’ sweeps out to effectively frame the grille before broadening out and encompassing the car’s large and piercing headlamps to create a distinctive and powerful face. The strength of this look is reinforced by the clamshell bonnet and its contours that run into raised shoulders as they flow down to meet the headlamps.

“The clamshell bonnet gives a sense of strength and solidity to the front end,” said Schreyer. “Together with the grille, these shoulders create a strong three-dimensional feel to the face of the new Sportage, and they also help the driver accurately place the car on the road.”

The new Sportage’s athleticism is reinforced by its rakish windscreen angle, which sweeps seamlessly into the low roofline. And the top of the screen itself reflects the grille profile. “The profile line of the top of the windscreen mirrors that of the grille,” explains Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Europe.

“We first featured this element on the Kee concept car, at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. This is followed through to the rear, which has the same distinctive outline at the base of the rear windscreen. These two features instantly heighten the Sportage’s on-the-road visibility – as do its sculpted flanks featuring a striking concave motif in the door panels and the flared wheel-arches.”

The key design element of new Sportage’s purposeful stance is the relationship between its high shoulders and narrow glasshouse, explained Schreyer. “We’ve created a vehicle with a sportscar-like ratio between sheet metal and glass. The side-windows are very narrow that gives an almost rally-car feeling. Follow the shoulder and roof lines and they meet at the striking reverse-angled C-pillar.

“The size, the shape and the proportion of the C-pillar on any car is absolutely crucial to its appearance, and as you can see on our new Sportage, it determines the entire look and feel of the car,” he added.

Using a tape-measure against the new Sportage confirms it is slightly lower than the previous generation, but the design makes it look significantly lower, and both sleeker and more assertive.

Mirroring the large headlamps up front, the rear of the new Sportage features prominent taillights that flow across the tailgate and into the car’s broad rear shoulders. Raising the rear spoiler-topped hatch reveals a large, deep and regular-shaped cargo bay.

Many of the new Sportage’s external design features – the rakish windscreen angle, the radically angled C-pillar and the signature sculpting of the car’s flanks, were first hinted at in the Kue concept car, star of the 2007 Detroit Motor Show.

“It’s crucial that we draw real design inspiration from our concept and showcars, like the Kue, and inject that motivation into our production cars. The new Sportage is clear proof of that,” commented Schreyer.

A raft of details – the ribbed roof, the chunky door handles, the roof-rails, the raised ride height and the large wing mirrors – serve to further reinforce the Kia’s go-anywhere credentials. The new Sportage’s spacious cabin looks as dynamic and sporting as its exterior. It’s dominated by the sweeping dashboard, which broadens from the edges and then narrows dramatically in the middle to create an eye-catching centre console. This emphasises the width of the car, making those on board feel protected, safe and secure.

Guillaume explained: “The horizontal layers break up the dashboard, so you are not facing a vast cliff of plastic, while the high centre tunnel bisects the front cabin. It’s anything but the typical T-shaped dashboard/console layout you will find in most vehicles.”

Those high shoulders and the narrow glasshouse hint at the new Sportage’s dynamic driving position, enhanced by the chunky small-diameter three-spoke steering wheel and deep-set cowled instruments.

“The exterior design is very sporty for a car of this type, and although you sit high in the cabin there’s still something very sporting about it because the windscreen has a very fast angle and the shoulder line is very high,” said Guillaume. “This gives you a cocooned and safe feeling, and yet from a practical point of view there is still plenty of rear headroom.”

In the generously proportioned rear cabin, the boldly angled C-pillar cuts back on itself well behind the rear passengers, to enhance the car’s low-slung profile without encroaching on their view out.

Peter Schreyer intends to transform the public perception of Kia all around the world. “I want to give Kia global appeal – I want that appeal to be about design above all else. The new Sportage is a major step towards achieving that goal.”

Top-quality trim and equipment with high-tech features

Kia is confident that when current Sportage owners and new customers to the brand visit dealer showrooms to view the all-new Sportage, they will be mightily impressed by the newcomer. Its showroom ‘presence’ will be both impactful and surprising.

New Sportage will be available in a stunning new metallic colour – Techno Orange – and first impressions will also be enhanced by the new bright chrome finish for the front grille- the strong Kia ‘face’ – as well as the bold reverse-angle C-pillar, the wider track, purposeful stance and much closer relationship between the wheels, tyres and wheel-arch – creating a premium appearance and echoing the precision and care that has been applied to the entire vehicle.

Inside new Sportage, the styling echoes the new kind of dynamic aesthetics created by the exterior appearance and establishes a new kind of ambience, with top-quality fit, discreet trim accents and the availability of numerous high-tech features. New Sportage will be built with a choice of two equipment levels, LX and EX (for details see Section 8), plus a wide range of options.

The longer bodyshell and longer wheelbase, plus the extra interior width ensure that occupants of the new Sportage will enjoy its spacious cabin. The adoption of a reverse-angle for the C-pillar moves it 186 mm further back – compared with the previous model – placing it behind the rear seat passengers to provide them with a clear view out. Entry and exit from the cabin is made easier by lowering the seats by 29 mm and the top of the door sills by 31 mm.

Driver comfort is enhanced by the adoption of a floor-hinged accelerator pedal that allows smooth control of the throttle and by the increased range of fore and aft sliding movement available for the driver’s seat – 24 mm more than the previous model. As an option, heated front and rear seats can be specified.

The thick-rimmed four-spoke steering wheel and the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster are becoming Kia trademark features. Similar to the cluster fitted to the Soul, Sorento and Venga, the new Sportage’s instruments have clear and precise graphics. A ‘Super Vision’ cluster with red lighting will be available as an option.

New Sportage’s interior comes trimmed in black cloth as standard – and unusually, an all-black headliner can be specified. Options include part-leather and full-leather seat trim, with a choice of contrasting stitching. LX models feature a Dark Gunmetal dashboard and centre stack, while colour options include Medium Grey, Light Alpine and Orange door inserts, plus Alpine Metallic centre stack trim.

Manual air-conditioning is standard. The audio system for new Sportage features an RDS radio and CD player with MP3, USB and iPod connectivity – with door-mounted speakers and a tweeter at each end of the dashboard. An all-new audio visual navigation system with a 7.0-inch screen, Bluetooth and voice recognition will be offered.

Other available high-tech ‘comfort & convenience’ features include a Smart Card for keyless entry, together with an engine start/stop button, ‘welcome home’ escort lights, Xenon headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lights and a tailgate-mounted reversing safety camera with interior mirror display monitor.

A total of 10 exterior colours available will be: solid colours x 2: Cassa White and Clyde Blue and metallic colours x 8: Dark Gunmetal, Techno Orange, Sand Track, Black Pearl, Pheonix Silver, Sirius Silver, Machine Silver, and Byte Blue.

More space for people and cargo, and a quieter drive

Luggage space in new Sportage benefits from the 70 mm increase in the vehicle’s rear overhang. With the rear seats upright, the cargo bay is 80 mm longer and 110 mm wider at floor level, thanks to the more compact design of the rear suspension. Cargo capacity is among the best in class and ranges from 564 litres with the rear seats occupied to 1353 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Storage space within the cabin includes the larger glovebox – cooled in some models, a larger 6.0-litre centre console – up from 3.0-litres, and four door pockets. Two large cup-holders are located between the gear selector and the centre console, while the folding centre armrest in the rear seat has twin cup-holders.

New Sportage is significantly quieter and more refined than its predecessor. The all-new bodyshell design and greater use of high tensile steel have resulted in a stiffer and safer vehicle in which occupants will be aware of fewer vibrations from the road surface or mechanical components.

New diesel and petrol engines to power new Sportage

Manufactured at Kia’s world-class facility in Slovakia, the all-new Sportage will ultimately be available in Europe with a wide choice of engines. At launch this summer, the engine line-up will comprise 2-litre diesel and 2-litre petrol engines – with a 1.7-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre GDI petrol unit to follow later this year, reducing the new model’s base-line CO2 emissions to less than 140 g/km.

Stop and Go available for two engines

By the end of 2010, Kia will be offering its fuel-stretching ISG (Intelligent Stop and Go) system as an option on both the 1.7 diesel and 1.6 GDI engine. ISG automatically switches the engine off whenever the vehicle is stopped in congested city driving and instantly restarts the engine when the driver selects first gear. Combined with other technologies in new Sportage, ISG helps to reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.

Several innovative fuel-saving technologies are fitted to the new Sportage as standard, including a gear-shift up/down indicator on all manual models, an ECO indicator to encourage economical driving on all automatic models and a power-saving alternator management system.

Toyota Will Assess All Its SUVs for Safety Issues

ADMIN — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:23:37 +0000

In the wake of an influential consumer magazine’s discovery of handling problems in the 2010 Lexus GX 460 SUV, Toyota Motor (TM) said that it’s conducting tests on all its sports-utility vehicles to assess their safety, just two days after Toyota suspended sales of the GX 460.

The news comes after road tests conducted by Consumer Reports showed the GX 460 was susceptible to rolling over during accident-avoidance maneuvers on its test track. The nonprofit magazine published an advisory on its website, urging consumers to not buy the vehicle until the auto maker addressed the problem.

Toyota said it will examine the stability of each of its SUV models on curves, but it has no plans to recall any models, or halt production of models other than the GX 460, the Wall Street Journal reported on its website. A Toyota spokesman said he wasn’t sure how long it would take to complete such tests. The company sells nine SUV models in the U.S. among its Toyota and Lexus brands.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to conduct its own tests on the vehicle, the Journal reported separately. NHTSA investigators will examine the vehicle used by Consumer Reports, agency Administrator David Strickland said Thursday at a meeting of automotive engineers in Detroit. “We will see if the Lexus meets our stability requirements and if not and we will make a decision after that,” Strickland said.

The world’s largest auto maker said earlier this week it will stop production at its Tahara plant in Japan of the newly introduced GX 460 for nine days beginning Friday, to prevent inventory from building up.

A Potential to Rollover

During a standard track test, which involves sudden turns while lifting off the accelerator, Consumer Reports said the rear of the GX 460 slid out until it was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control.

“In a real-world situation, by that time the car can hit the curb or the side of the road, and that’s the situation where, in a vehicle like that, it could cause it to roll over,” says Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto test engineer at Consumer Reports, one of four testers to experience the problem.

As with nearly all new SUVs, the GX 460 has standard electronic stability control, a system designed to prevent vehicles from sliding out in a turn. The system, which works by applying individual brakes and cutting engine power to help keep the vehicle on its intended path, has generally been effective in the vehicles Consumer Reports has tested, the magazine said. But, it noted, “the GX’s system doesn’t intervene quickly enough to stop the slide, and the rear end swings around too far.”

To confirm its results, CR paid for the use of another GX 460 from Lexus and experienced the same problem, it said. The magazine noted that some 5,000 GX 460s, which have a base price starting at about $52,000, have been sold in the three months the model has been available in the U.S.

Speedier Response This Time
In addition to notifying Toyota and the public about its findings, Consumer Reports also advised NHTSA of its test results.

Toyota’s decision to assess safety of its SUV lineup comes just days after the problem first surfaced. That’s a much quicker response than the company has shown in addressing past safety issues, which have resulted in the recall of more than 8 million vehicles worldwide for unintended acceleration and other problems.

The company has been accused of foot dragging in acknowledging safety problems with its vehicles, resulting in the NHTSA issuing a maximum $16.4 million fine against Toyota for failing to act quickly enough to notify the agency of a problem involving “sticky” gas pedals. Toyota has until Monday to accept or contest the penalty.

Via: DailyFinance

ALL-NEW TUCSON DELIVERS BETTER

ADMIN — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:15:21 +0000

In 2010, a revolutionary new Tucson joins the rapidly evolving Hyundai product line. The sleek crossover from Hyundai, with its athletic European design, strikes a stark contrast from its predecessor and improves in every functional area, from its roomier cabin with extra cargo space to its leap in fuel economy and technology.

Tucson features the company’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language and is the first vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven all-new models by the end of 2011).

The all-new Tucson is the first Hyundai CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) to be designed and engineered in Europe at Hyundai’s Frankfurt-based design and technical centers. It features precedent-setting engineering including advanced weight saving technology and the eco-efficient Theta II 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering up to 31 mpg on the highway.

True to Hyundai form, the Tucson applies life-saving safety technologies as standard equipment while offering, for the first time, Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Hillstart Assist Control (HAC). Likewise, to keep its passengers informed and comfortable Tucson integrates Hyundai’s first panoramic sunroof, touch-screen navigation and a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.

EUROPEAN DESIGN

Key attributes of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy are the athleticism and sophistication that Tucson demonstrates through its flowing lines, full surfaces and muscular presence.

This athletic design language is highlighted by bold, dynamic graphic elements such as the new Hyundai family hexagonal front grille, aggressive lower air intake, sculptured hood creases, swept back headlights, sleek greenhouse and wraparound taillights. Chrome grille accents and door handles lend sophistication to the top-of-the-line Tucson Limited.

2010 TUCSON 61 POUNDS LIGHTER THAN THE OUTGOING MODEL DESPITE BEING THREE INCHES LONGER

The 2010 Tucson is 3.3 inches longer and one inch wider than its predecessor, yet 61 pounds lighter

2010 Tucson has a longer wheelbase and overall width than CR-V, Escape and Forester to deliver more packing efficiency

Body stiffness is 38 percent greater than Rogue

World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the Tucson engineering team. In fact, the 2010 Tucson leads all of its competitors in weight efficiency. Hyundai engineers also targeted leadership in power-to-weight ratio. Having these targets paid huge dividends in both performance and fuel economy.

FUN-TO-DRIVE

The 2010 Tucson’s athletic shape is now complemented with more agile handling, responsive steering and improved body roll control. These enhancements make the new Tucson more fun-to-drive.

Tucson uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems for more precise wheel control and a smoother ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and fade-resistant gas-charged dampers.

Stabilizer bar diameters have also increased. The front suspension now has a new 25 mm hollow stabilizer bar to save weight versus the predecessors 21 mm solid stabilizer bar. The rear suspension has a new 18 mm solid stabilizer bar versus the predecessors 14 mm stabilizer bar. Larger stabilizer bars keep the vehicle very flat during cornering and help provide quick turn-in response.

SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS

Hyundai’s commitment to making the Tucson extremely fuel efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control or a standard six-speed manual transaxle.

Hyundai’s all-new six-speed automatic transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature.

Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and SUVs, the new compact transmission puts Hyundai into an elite class of auto manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary six-speed automatic transmissions. The strength of the design is its unique layout which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed on the market today.

STORAGE GALORE

The 2010 Tucson features a total of 19 different storage places and drink holders:

- Console storage tray

- Glove box

- Overhead sunglass storage

- Armrest storage compartment

- Two front seat drink holders

- Two rear center armrest drink holders

- Four bottle holders – one in each door

- Four map pockets – one in each door

- Two seatback pockets

- Cargo area storage tray

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI’S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT

The 2005 Tucson was the first Hyundai model to feature standard ESC (Electronic Stability Control) upon its launch in fall 2004. It was also the first vehicle under $20,000 with standard ESC and six airbags. The Tucson started Hyundai’s approach to combining state-of-the-art safety and affordability and this approach lives on in the 2010 Tucson.

The Tucson is loaded with life-saving standard safety features including ESC with traction control, six airbags and active front head restraints.

Its braking system features four-wheel disc brakes controlled by an advanced four-channel ABS with Brake Assist, providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance with uneven weight distribution.

COLORS

The 2010 Tucson is offered in nine colors with an optimum mix between lighter and darker colors to satisfy regional preferences. The colors are Cotton White, Diamond Silver, Graphite Gray, Ash Black, Garnet Red, Iris Blue, Aurora Blue, Chai Bronze and Kiwi Green. Three interior colors Black, Taupe and Saddle will be available.

Brass Monkey Racing to Bring Nissan GT-R to World Challenge

ADMIN — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:24:34 +0000

Brass Monkey Racing has announced plans to campaign a pair of Nissan GT-R cars in the 2010 World Challenge GT Championship with the support of Nissan North America, Inc.

The announcement signals a renewed interest for Nissan, which last participated in World Challenge with a Touring Car effort in 2005. The twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive Nissan GT-R racecars are currently under construction at Brass Monkey Racing’s Texas-based race shop and will make their North American debut March 26-28, in St. Petersburg, Fla., at the hands of two-time series race winner Tony Rivera, of Missouri City, Texas, and rookie Steve Ott, of Houston.

“We’re very excited to bring such an iconic car to the North American professional road racing scene,” Brass Monkey Racing Team Owner A.J. Brass said. “After such a successful season in 2009, finishing third in the Championship and winning in our very first race, we look forward to the challenge of bringing an entirely new platform to World Challenge. With Nissan’s assistance and great engineering and driving, we expect to contend for the 2010 Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships.”

“Nissan is very excited about the new Brass Monkey project,” Nissan North America Senior Manager – Motorsports, Wholesale and Collision Parts Growth Ron Stukenberg said. “This series aligns well with the performance of the GT-R and compliments the production attributes of the car. It’s great to have a Nissan compete in World Challenge after a brief hiatus. We look forward to having Tony and Steve at the front of the field in 2010.”

Brass noted that despite a compressed timeline to finish the new cars, they benefit from an already solid platform with the GT-R.

“Many of the cars in the series have serious modifications to the engines and drivelines from the stock vehicles,” Brass said. “The beauty of the GT-R is that it is an amazing platform to start with and we are able to utilize all of the stock internal components and drivetrain. With the exception of some of the approved series aerodynamic items and an effort to bring the car down to a competitive weight, the car will remain incredibly stock compared to most of our competition.”

Brass Monkey Racing was formed in 2009 with the support of Tax Masters. Its rookie season was a tremendous success, with Rivera, a relative unknown in professional racing, winning in the team’s very first attempt at Sebring in the team’s Porsche 911 GT3. He went on to win at Road America later in the season, finishing third in the Championship standings.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the 2010 season,” Rivera said. “I anticipate the Brass Monkey Nissans will become the most popular cars in the paddock because there is such an unbelievable following worldwide for the GT-R. My first racecar was a Showroom Stock B Nissan NX 2000, so it’s cool to be back in a Nissan – even though this one will be quite a bit different!”

Ott previously raced with Rivera with Brass Mitchell Racing, which later evolved into Brass Monkey Racing, in the 2008 Koni Challenge. Like Rivera, his roots are in SCCA Club Racing, where he finished on the podium at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs. Running a partial season in the 2006 Champ Car Atlantic Championship, he scored good results with Newman Wachs Racing.

“I’ve always wanted to run World Challenge because of the single-driver format and amazing cars,” Ott said. “To have an opportunity to be a part of the Brass Monkey Nissan team is incredible and I can’t wait to begin testing for St. Petersburg.”

Brass Monkey Racing and its Nissan GT-R World Challenge effort will have support from Nissan, Tax Masters, Stoptech, Penske Shocks South Side Performance and Seibon Carbon. For more information about Brass Monkey Racing, please visit www.brassmonkey.com.

Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing and managed by WC Vision, the World Challenge Championships represent the best production-based racing in the world. Utilizing a single driver format and standing starts for the 50-minute races, the series offers non-stop action in each of its three categories—GT, GTS and Touring Car. The series features 12 races at eight different venues in 2010, starting with a doubleheader weekend at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in conjunction with the Indy Racing League, March 26-28. For more information, visit www.world-challenge.com.

Marching toward International Famous Brand, Chery Launches “Intensive Cultivation 2010” Project

ADMIN — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:20:25 +0000

Recently, Chery announced its annual strategic planning called “Intensive Cultivation 2010” in Beijing, which drew wide attention both at home and abroad. Chery will introduce a series of strategies which focus on the four main themes: “Intensive Cultivation of Brand, Intensive Cultivation of Technology, Intensive Cultivation of International Market, Intensive Cultivation of Responsibility”, so as to reinforce the outcomes of “Layout 2009”.

At the same time Chery also announced its annual sales target, ensuring 0.7million units and striving for 0.9 million, with 17 new or modified models released in domestic market.

For overseas market, based on the meticulous layout of the previous year, Chery will introduce the tactic of “Radiating Neighboring Areas with Bases & Optimizing Network Capacity”, continue to keep in mind the ambition of “International Layout, Advanced Technology”, undergo profound challenges of international operation, and accomplish the strategic objective of “Overseas Business Card of Chinese Automakers”. Chery is fully prepared to meet the 10th year of its internationalization through intensive orientation to brand, technology, channel and responsibility.

Brand: Promoting Brand Development with Products

After G5 successfully challenged German Nurburgring track and Rely X5’s perfect debut at Dakar Rally, Chery will lead independent Chinese auto brands to rewrite world record with more models. Chery is not only illustrating its internationalization speed with its products, but also proving its speed to conquer the world car market.

In 2010, Chery will adjust from single economical models to full coverage of high-end models. The products to be launched in 2010 include sports car M14, Riich G3, G6, Rely X5, as well as other modified cars, reaching 17 in all.

In addition to introducing products into developing markets, Chery will gradually enter developed ones, such as Europe and America. By successfully entering Italy in 2007 and achieving good results in the past several years, Chery is confident of its entrance into developed car markets.

Faced with more stringent import standards and technical requirements of Europe and America, Chery has the ability to upgrade comprehensive technology, R & D capabilities and talent pool, and then further enhance market potential, development capabilities and brand influence by exporting cars to developed countries, which will lay a solid ground for Chery to accomplish its goal of building an international famous Chinese brand.

Technology: Core Technologies Ensuring Overall Advancement

“Building a technology-oriented enterprise” is always the guideline of Chery. In 2010, firstly, Chery will continue its efforts on enhancing research and development capabilities of traditional technology, especially enhancing technical capacity of testing technology, engine and automatic transmission; Secondly, Chery will accelerate industrialization of new energy technologies, develop both new energy cars and traditional cars and achieve connotative development from denotative development.

Chery strongly believes that if Chinese auto enterprises want to be respected, the possession of new technologies will be more important than sales volume. Scale is not the only criterion of a company. The critical ones are foundation and capacity. Chery will further consolidate its own ability, especially core technologies. Chery thinks that Chinese cars should focus on possessing core technologies.

In 2010 Chery will launch several new engines and transmissions. Meanwhile, Chery lab which is the biggest in Asia will also be put into use. The total R&D investment will reach RBM2.4billion, which will open a “green passage” for grasping core technologies and upgrading production capacity, thus ensuring the technologically leading position of Chery products.

Channels: Optimizing International Network with Production Bases

“Intensive Cultivation 2010” aims to make use of the successively established production bases to form the ability of radiating neighboring areas, seize opportunities of global economic recovery, expand sales and improve market share.

Till now, Chery has established 11 production bases in Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, Uruguay, Thailand and Vietnam, etc. Another four plants will gradually be put into operation in the near future. Through optimizing production network around the world, Chery will realize further development of aftersales service, consolidate reputation in overseas markets, and improve brand awareness and reputation.

Responsibility: Establishing Good Reputation of Chinese Automobile Enterprises with Great Sense of Responsibility

As the leader of independent Chinese auto brands, for more than 10 years, Chery keeps bearing in mind its corporate social responsibility, fully committed to society and customers.

In 2010, through improvement of product design and application of advanced technologies, Chery will increase customers’ traveling safety, enhance pedestrian protection, and at the same time, through upgrade of aftersales network, service level and service quality, increase the convenience of aftersales service for customers, continuously reduce use cost for them, and thus improve competitiveness of its own.

As for the promotion of energy-saving technology and environmental protection, Chery will accelerate the pace of industrialization and marketization of new energy products. As the leader of Chinese carmakers, Chery will assume greater responsibility in energy-saving and emission reduction, so as to speed up low-carbon automotive R & D and applications of China.

As the leader of independent Chinese auto brands for 10 years, Chery always believes that Chinese independent brands should rank in the world top list. Through implementation of the strategy of “Intensive Cultivation 2010”, what Chery presents will no longer be the champion of sales, but a transnational automotive group with globalized brands, technologies and markets, which will go nearer to the goal of building an international famous brand of China.

Toyota’s president to visit China on Monday

ADMIN — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:15:20 +0000

Toyota President Akio Toyoda will speak in Beijing on Monday about the company’s recent quality woes, Toyota said Sunday, in an effort to reassure consumers in a major growth market.

Toyoda, who testified at a U.S. Congressional hearing last week about the spate of global recalls plaguing Toyota Motor Corp., will speak to reporters at a Beijing hotel, company spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi said.

The number of vehicles being recalled in China is small compared with the 8.5 million vehicles recalled worldwide since October for sticky gas pedals, faulty floor mats and glitches in braking software.

The bulk of the recalls are in the United States, where doubts are growing about Toyota’s longtime reputation for top-grade quality.

In China, Toyota announced a recall of 75,552 RAV4 sport-utility vehicles in late January due to the gas pedal problem.

Toyota has said its plans to expand in the Chinese market are unchanged, with its sales in the country expected to rise to 800,000 vehicles this year, up from 709,000 in 2009.

China’s overall vehicle sales soared 45 percent last year to 13.6 million, overtaking the U.S. as the world’s biggest auto market.

Popular Science Honors 2009 BMW 7 Series

ADMIN — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:44:48 +0000

Irvine BMW is proud to announce that Popular Science Magazine has named the 2009 BMW 7 Series the most advanced luxury sedan on the market.

“The 2009 BMW 750i and its larger brother, the 750Li, exemplify the latest trends in automotive technology,” said Irvine BMW General Sales Manager Steve Rudkin. “First, there’s the smaller, more efficient twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making the new 7 faster than the outgoing V12-powered model.”

Inside, the ridiculously spacious sedan is loaded. The High-Beam Assist monitors approaching cars, automatically dims the brights, and switches them back on the instant the car passes. Infrared Night Vision detects pedestrians in your path and warns you on the head-up display. Even the once-scorned iDrive gets it right, with an enormous high-resolution screen and effortless control of vehicle functions.

As one of the largest BMW centers on the West Coast, Irvine BMW has loyally served Southern California for nearly a decade. The dealership’s helpful and knowledgeable staff, expert factory-trained technicians and one of the nation’s largest selections of new and certified pre-owned BMWs have made Irvine BMW a landmark in Southern California’s automotive landscape.

For more information about Irvine BMW, visit the Orange County dealership at 9881 Research Drive in Irvine, Calif., or online at irvinebmw.com.

Toyota cars in the Philippines not affected by safety recall

ADMIN — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:25:47 +0000

The local unit of Toyota Motor Corp. assured its customers that its products are not affected by the recent safety recall in the United States.

Elijah Marcial, public relations officer of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP), told ANC in a phone interview on Wednesday that its cars and car parts do not have any defects and will still be sold in the country.

“We received information from Toyota Motor Corp. that all Philippines’ Toyota and Lexus models are not affected by the new US ‘stuck gas pedal’ safety recall,” she said.

Still, Marcial advised customers to talk to their dealers if they have questions or concerns about cars that they have recently purchased. They can also call TMP’s customer service hotline at 819-2912.

She said Toyota repairs or replaces cars, depending on the extent of the damage, after a thorough investigation by its dealers.

On Tuesday, Toyota Motor Sales USA suspended sales of 8 models while it examines problems with sticking accelerator pedals. The move came after the world’s largest automaker recalled last week 2.3 million Toyota cars and trucks in the US because of the accelerator problem.

The company said it may stop producing vehicles at 5 North American plants for a week starting February 1 to “assess and coordinate activities.”

“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” Toyota Group Vice President Bob Carter said in a statement.

The following are the Toyota models in the US affected by the announcement:
2009-2010 RAV4
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia

Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Sales USA assured that the following models “will remain for sale”:
Prius
Tacoma
Sienna
Venza
Solara
Yaris
4Runner
FJ Cruiser
Land Cruiser
Lexus Division
Scion
select Camry models, including all hybrids

Analysts have noted that Toyota’s safety issues may have a long-term impact on the credibility of the world’s largest automaker.

“This unprecedented automotive decision indicates how serious a safety problem this is,” Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst at automotive website Edmunds.com, told Agence France-Presse.

“Toyota needed to send a clear message that they care more about their customers than monthly profits,” Edmunds.com chief executive Jeremy Anwyl added.

TMP holds about 35% of the Philippine market in terms of sales as of 2009, making it the country’s top automobile brand, an official of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) said.

“They have the biggest share as of 2009 at about 35%,” CAMPI secretary general Homer Maranan told abs-cbnNEWS.com in a phone interview.

At present, TMP’s best-selling vehicles include Vios and Innova, a distributor told abs-cbnNEWS.com. Both brands are not affected by the sales suspension in the US as of posting.

Source: ABS-CBN News

Honda to produce hydrogen for fuel cell cars

ADMIN — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:19:45 +0000

Honda Motor Co has said it has developed a compact machine to produce hydrogen at a household garage to replenish fuel cell electric cars that run on electricity generated by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

The Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas Inc is testing the “solar hydrogen station” intended for ultimate use as a “home refueling appliance capable of an overnight refill of fuel cell electric vehicles,” Honda said.

Honda said it hopes that the home hydrogen station will facilitate the dissemination of fuel cell vehicles in various countries.

The 15-square-meter station, featuring a “high-pressure electrolyzer” to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen by electric currents from its 54-sq-meter solar cell array, can produce 0.5 kilogram of hydrogen in eight hours, a Honda spokesman said, adding the company expects ordinary households to use solar cells on the roofs of their garages.

This amount of hydrogen would enable Honda’s FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle to travel 50 kilometers, the automaker said.

If users installed a separate hydrogen storage tank in a household garage, it would enable them to replenish the vehicle more speedily.

Honda said the new appliance does away with a compressor unit unlike Honda’s conventional refueling appliances as it can produce and compress hydrogen with the identical high-pressure electrolyzer.

China overtakes US as world’s biggest car market

ADMIN — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 09:45:26 +0000

China has overtaken the US to become the biggest car market in the world as government policy initiatives spur demand.

China sold more than 13.5m vehicles last year, the official Xinhua news agency said today, compared with 10.4m cars and light trucks sold in the US, the lowest level in 27 years.

The Chinese tally includes heavy vehicles but is still higher than that of the US after roughly 650,000 units of heavy trucks are deducted, according to Orient Securities, the Chinese brokerage.

China’s market grew by 45% year-on-year in 2009, providing a rare glimmer of hope for the world’s beleaguered car manufacturers, such as General Motors, Volkswagen and Toyota. Total industry sales fell 21% in the formerly dominant US market, and Volkswagen has said that China is now its biggest market.

“This is even better than anyone expected,” said Rao Da, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association, at a news conference in Shanghai.

China was not expected to exceed the US market until 2020 but the speed with which the recession affected consumers in the States combined with incentives from the Beijing government to help buyers accelerate the trend.

China’s communist government cut sales taxes on smaller, fuel-efficient cars and spent $730m (£450m) on subsidies for buyers of larger cars, pickup trucks and minivans. Stimulus spending on building highways and other public works also helped to boost sales of trucks used in construction.

Rao said that car sales this year could grow by another 20% so long as China’s economic recovery continued and oil prices remained stable.

Motor manufacturers are looking to first-time buyers in smaller Chinese cities to help drive sales as incomes outside the country’s prosperous east coast rise.

“People there are getting richer and can afford cars. Younger people can work for two or three years and with the help of their parents can buy a car,” Rao said. “Being able to afford a car in China is not so difficult any more. People with an average salary can afford to buy a car.”